4/22/14

Lace is so Ubiquitous Now...

its no longer just for formal events... it's worn for various occasions, day, night, cocktail, office and casually. Take a lace sheath dress and its every woman's must have, its versatile, chic, flattering, exudes femininity and so ladylike.

Wanting to be a part of the masses, I had to have a lace dress and in comes Butterick 5672. It's a close-fitting lined dress with left pleats, invisible zipper and with sleeves or sleeveless options. However, instead of using the actual dress pattern pieces, I use the lining pieces (noted here), which consist of the front & back bodice, front skirt which I traced off for the back as well. The lining pieces have become a tnt, (made here, here & here) the fit is right on point, the bust, waist and back darts afford me shaping. In addition, I included neckline darts as well and love that I can just whip it out and make a dress without worrying about fitting issues.

Despite the pattern fabric suggestion calling for a moderate stretch knit, I proceeded with lace and to play it safe I added a 1/2" to the seams. The lace fabric was a gift from my dear friend Alethia a few years ago. At the time I received the fabric, I remember being gun-ho about making a lace dress, but just never got around to it. As mentioned earlier with lace dresses cropping up everywhere I knew the time was now.

Thank You Alethia!!!

The shell of the dress went together effortlessly, I serged the seams

For the back bodice, I used a black stretch polyester and an exposed zipper using Colleen's technique.

For the lining I used a lt. grey lightweight knit.

I serged the lining to the neckline and followed up with a final stitch. Hand stitched the lining to the zipper tape. After another try on I realized that I'd forgotten to trim the bulk from the darts using Colleen's technique.

During the cutting process, I decided that I would use the selvidge edge for the skirt hem, which did not require any hemming... yeah !!!

Did a basic hem for the lining, just serged and folded to the inside and followed with a final stitch. For the armholes, I basted the lace and lining together, serged and flipped to the inside and final stitched.

Can I tell you......... this dress is my lace dream.. simple, perfect and paired with Sheilaz Scissorhands haircut.. priceless.....

I can rock it day or night, for cocktails and casually with a jean jacket & sandals.

Of course, this is the office ensemble with a cream/beige snake print blazer... eclectic anyone.

After this... I think one more is needed... and I have the perfect coral lace...

Oh Sheila ! Perfection again and they look so nice on you. I've worn lace in my everyday wardrobe for decades. You are right, many saved it for special occasions but not me. From a lace inset on a tank top to a full out lace shell worn with a camisole... Lace has always been my best friend. Love your dresses though and that pink one ! Oh my !